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Jessica D. Aber, the former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found unresponsive around 9:18 a.m. Saturday, March 22, inside a home on the 900 block of Beverley Drive, according to the Alexandria Police Department.
She was 43 years old.
Officers were called to the residence for a wellness check and found Aber deceased, as detailed in a release.
An investigation is ongoing, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.
As of Saturday afternoon, no foul play has been reported.
News of Aber’s death sent shockwaves through the legal community, where she was known as a trailblazing prosecutor and beloved colleague.
“We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague,” said current US Attorney Erik Siebert in a statement. “She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.
“Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard,” he added. “Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi made the following statement regarding the death of former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber:
“The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.”
Appointed by President Biden, Aber served as US Attorney from 2021 to 2024.
She began her career in EDVA in 2009 and handled a wide range of high-profile cases, eventually leading the office that prosecutes some of the most complex federal crimes in the country.
Aber graduated from the University of Richmond in 2003 and earned a Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School three years later.
“Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career,” Siebert said. “She loved EDVA and EDVA loved her back.”
This is a developing story. Check back with Daily Voice for updates.
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